Missing Objects Game
This is an easy, fun and very useful social skills game to help kids on the autism spectrum to learn how to
encourage others. Children on the autism spectrum often need help learning to use kind and encouraging
words. This is a “game within a game.” The object is to remember what object is missing when it is removed
when the player is not looking. The underlying game is to “score” lots of encouraging remarks to the other
player when they are playing and it is not your turn.
• Assemble a collection of eight to twelve very small objects (very small toys, or even just assorted items out
of a desk drawer).
•Print out the “encouragement” word prompts
•Tell the kids:
“We are going to play the Missing Objects Game. This is a memory game that works like this. I will place on
the table these small objects. When it is your turn, you will get one half a minute to look at the objects and try
to remember them. Then, we will ask you to step out of the room for a few seconds. While you are out, we will
take away just one of the objects. Then, you must try to figure out which object is missing! This can be hard!
While you are trying to remember what object is missing, the other kids have an important job. They have to
try their best to say nice things to you, to encourage you and to make you feel okay if you can’t figure out
which object is missing. I will keep track of who is being the nicest, and I will decide then who is first, second
and third place at being nice and “encouraging” to the person who is playing.”
• Hold up the various encouraging phrase prompts to help the kids know what to say to players who are
trying, winning or struggling with the memory task.
Reference: I found this game in a terrific social skills book called Superskills, by Judith Coucouvanis.
Joel Shaul, LCSW
Joel Shaul provides workshops nationwide
on the topic of social skills and emotional
regulation for children on the autism
spectrum. To learn more:
http://bit.ly/zGDQCi
You can do it!
Keep trying!
You’ll get it!
Don’t worry!
You did it!
Way to go!
Congrats!
Nice job!
Nice try!
Better luck
next time!
You tried
hard!